So another week and another blog post as the end of semester is fast approaching!
The topic for this blog (and next weeks tute) is international labour standards, and this is one I feel quite strongly about!
First, some key definitions!
International labour standards are "aimed at promoting opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work, in conditions of freedom, equity, security and dignity". In my own words, I see it as the aim of achieving equality in organisations by ensuring that there are minimum work standards such as pay. In saying this, you can see the difficulties that may arise, particularly in regards to corrupt countries/politics.
Secondly, the ILO or International Labour Organisation which was founded in 1919, is an organisation that aims to promote equality by achieving international labour standards for all countries to abide by. They follow the motto 'Promoting jobs, protecting people'. They desire to achieve social justice for all people.
"According to the ILO, there are 3 billion poor in the world existing on $2 per day."
This shows the mistreatment that employees experience in some countries, particularly those considered third world. The international labour standards are intended to remove, or significantly reduce such occurrences. It has been identified that the rise of multinational corporations as a part of the globalisation process have had a significant impact on on key labour standards. This impact has not been a positive one - these companies the power to import workers from other countries as they are able to pay them low wages (lower than the National Employment Standards), give them longer working hours and less than acceptable employment conditions in comparison to what we may be used to. This is because, in comparison to the countries they have left, the treatment they receive here is considered better.
Although I appreciate the aims of ILO and their successes, I do feel there are many things that need to happen in order to truly try to achieve international labour standards. Suggestions include:
-the developing countries need to be assisted to help set up official standards that must be followed by employers and monitored closely by the government (body similar to the Fair Work Ombudsman)
-stricter penalties need to be put in place for those that are found to not be abiding to the laws regarding international labour standards
-employees need to be better educated on their rights and the minimum standards they deserve; employees should be knowledgeable in order to help protect themselves
Relevant links:
http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/53480/1/MPRA_paper_53480.pdf
http://ilo.org/global/lang--en/index.htm
